DE112008002504T5 - Differential and bearing arrangement - Google Patents

Abstract

Axle assembly comprising:
an axle housing defining a pair of journal and a pinion bore, the differential journal having a threaded bore therethrough substantially perpendicular to the pinion bore, each of the differential journal having an outboard side remote from the other of the differential journal; wherein a counterbore concentric with the threaded bore is formed in each of the outboard sides;
a pinion rotatably mounted in the pinion bore;
a differential assembly including a differential housing, a gear set received in the differential housing and a ring gear engaged with the pinion, the differential housing including a pair of bearing seats;
a pair of first bearing members, each coupled to an associated bearing receptacle and including a first bearing race and a set of bearing members mounted on a respective one of the first bearing raceways;
a pair of hollow adjustment members having a threaded body portion and a setting portion, each of the hollow adjustment members ...

Description

INTRODUCTION

The The present invention relates generally to axle assemblies. More accurate said, the present invention relates to an axle assembly, the can be installed compactly in a relatively narrow space, as well a related one Method for manufacturing an axle assembly.

Motor vehicle drive axles can an axle housing, a pair of axle shafts, an input pinion and a differential assembly contain a differential housing, a fixed to the differential housing Ring gear and arranged in the differential housing gear set may include. The differential housing can be in the axle housing a first axis to be rotatably mounted. The input pinion can from the axle housing be recorded so that it is rotatable about a second axis, the is substantially perpendicular to the first axis. The pinion can engage with the ring gear.

In In some situations it may be difficult due to the size of the axle housing be to fit an axle assembly in a motor vehicle or compact install. Consequently, the art continues Need for an improved axle assembly incorporated in a motor vehicle lighter compact can be installed.

SUMMARY

In an embodiment The present teachings provide an axle assembly with an axle housing, a Pinion, a differential assembly, a pair of first bearing parts, a pair of adjusting elements, a pair of second bearing parts and a pair of security elements. The axle housing defines a pair of journals and a pinion bore. The differential bearing pins have a threaded bore formed therethrough, substantially perpendicular to the pinion bore. Each differential journal has an outside lying side facing away from the other differential journal is, and in every outside Side is a counterbore formed with the threaded hole is concentric. The pinion is rotatably mounted in the pinion bore. The differential assembly includes a differential housing, a in the differential housing recorded gear set and a gear engaged with the pinion Gear. The differential housing has a pair of bearing mounts. The differential bearings have one first bearing part and a second bearing part. Every first bearing part is attached to one Coupled bearing receptacle and has a first bearing raceway and a Set of bearing elements on a respective first bearing track are mounted. The hollow controls have one with a Threaded body section and a setting section. Each of the hollow adjustment elements is so to the axle housing coupled with its threaded body portion with the threaded hole of an associated the differential bearing pin in threaded engagement. The adjustment sections have a non-circular Structure that is configured to work from a tool to Turning the hollow adjusting elements is detected. Every second storage part Has a second bearing race, which is between one of the hollow adjustment elements and an associated one Set of bearing elements is arranged. Each fuse element is on an associated one The hollow adjusting elements are recorded and stands with the non-circular Structure in contact to prevent relative rotation therebetween. Each fuse element is pressed into an associated counterbore, to prevent the relative rotation between the fuse elements and the axle housing.

In another embodiment, the present teachings provide an axle assembly including an axle housing, a pinion, a differential assembly, a pair of first bearing members, a pair of hollow adjustment members, a pair of second bearing members, and a pair of securing members. The axle housing has a differential housing, a first axle tube and a second axle tube. The differential housing defines a pair of journal and a pinion bore. The differential trunnions are integrally formed with the differential case and are not separable from the remainder of the differential case. The differential trunnions have a threaded bore formed therethrough that is substantially perpendicular to the sprocket bore. The first axle tube is formed separately and releasably coupled to the differential housing. The second axle tube is formed integrally with the differential housing and is shorter than the first axle tube. The pinion is rotatably mounted in the pinion bore. The differential assembly includes a differential case, a gear set received in the differential case, and a ring gear meshing with the pinion. The differential housing has a pair of bearing mounts. Each first bearing part is coupled to a zughörige bearing receptacle and has a first bearing raceway and a set of bearing elements, which are mounted on a respective respective first bearing raceway. The hollow adjustment members have a threaded body portion and an adjustment portion. Each of the hollow adjustment members is coupled to the axle housing such that its threaded body portion is threadedly engaged with the threaded bore of an associated one of the differential bearing pins. Every second bearing part has a second bearing race, which is in Press fit is located on one of the hollow adjusting elements, and the second bearing parts are arranged between the hollow adjusting elements and the sets of bearing elements. The securing elements are received on the hollow adjusting elements and engage the non-circular structure to prevent relative rotation between the axle housing and the hollow adjusting elements.

In a further embodiment The present teachings provide a method of assembling an axle assembly ready. The method includes: providing a differential housing with a pair of differential journals; Install a pinion in the Differential housing; Positioning a differential assembly between the differential journal; Screwing a hollow adjustment member into each of the differential journal pins; Installing a securing element over each of the hollow adjusting elements, wherein each fuse element having a non-circular structure on a respective hollow adjusting member is engaged; and pressing each of the securing elements into one in an associated differential journal formed counterbore, wherein the securing elements with the differential case in engagement stand to prevent a relative rotation in between.

Further Areas of application will become apparent from the following description. It it should be noted that the description and the specific examples for illustrative purposes only and not intended are to limit the scope of the present disclosure.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The Drawings described herein are for illustration purposes only and are not intended to limit the scope of the present disclosure restrict

1 FIG. 4 is a schematic illustration of a motor vehicle having an axle assembly (ie, a front axle assembly) constructed in accordance with the teachings of the present disclosure; FIG.

2 is an exploded rear view of a part of the motor vehicle of 1 showing the front axle assembly in more detail;

3 is a sectional view of the front axle in the longitudinal direction along the axis of rotation of the differential; and

4 is an exploded perspective view of the front axle assembly.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE VARIOUS EMBODIMENTS

With reference to 1 of the drawings is a motor vehicle with an axle assembly (ie, the front axle assembly 32 ) constructed in accordance with the teachings of the present disclosure, generally designated by the reference numeral 10 designated. The car 10 can a powertrain 12 include that of a powertrain 14 is driven. The engine / powertrain 14 can a motor 16 and a gearbox 18 include. The powertrain 12 can be a transfer case 22 or another force distribution device, a rear drive shaft 24 , a rear axle assembly 26 , several rear wheels 28 , a front drive shaft 30 , a front axle assembly 32 and a pair of front wheels 34 to have. The motor 16 can in series or longitudinal alignment along the longitudinal axis of the motor vehicle 10 be mounted, and its output can be in the conventional manner with the input of the transmission 18 coupled to transmit torque (ie drive torque) therebetween. The gear 18 may include an output and a reduction unit that may be used to couple the transmission input to the transmission output at a selected gear ratio.

The transfer case 22 may be a conventional transfer case and may be in such a configuration with the transmission 18 coupled, that rotational power to the rear axle assembly 26 and the front axle assembly 32 is delivered in the desired manner. For example, the transfer case 22 in a first mode, in the torque only to the rear axle assembly 26 and operable in a second mode, in the drive torque in a predetermined manner between the rear axle assembly and the front axle assembly 26 respectively. 32 is split.

The rear drive shaft 24 is conventional and couples the rear exit of the transfer case 22 with an input of the rear axle assembly 26 which is also conventional. The rear wheels 28 are with the rear axle assembly 26 connected in a conventional manner and are driven by this in a conventional manner. The front drive shaft 30 is conventional and couples a front exit of the transfer case 22 with the front axle assembly 32 , The front wheels 34 are to the front axle assembly 32 coupled and driven by this.

With reference to the 2 to 4 can the front axle assembly 32 an axle housing 50 , a pinion 52 , a differential assembly 54 , a pair of adjustment elements 58 , a pair of security eels mente 58 and a pair of differential bearings 60 each comprising a first bearing part 62 and a second bearing part 64 Has. The axle housing 50 can be a differential case 70 and a first axle tube 72 include. The differential case 70 can a body section 74 and a second axle tube or axle tube part 76 include.

With specific reference to the 3 and 4 can the body section 74 a wall element 80 , a first journal 82 and a second journal 84 to have. The wall element 80 can a cavity 86 and a pinion bore 88 and an axle shaft opening 90 define. The axle tube part 76 Can be integral with the wall element 80 be formed and can be a Achsrohrbohrung 92 define that about the axis of the axle shaft opening 90 can be arranged around. The first and second journals 82 and 84 can be inward of the wall element 80 in the cavity 86 can be arranged and can be integral with the wall element 80 be formed and coupled with this not detachable. A threaded hole 94 can be around a first axis 96 through the first and second journals 82 and 84 be formed through. The first axis 96 can with the axes of the axle shaft opening 90 and the axle tube bore 92 coincide. The first and second journals 82 and 84 each can have an outside sidewall 98 include, one on top of the other of the journals 82 and 84 can be positioned on the opposite side. In each of the outer side walls 98 can one with the threaded hole 94 concentric counterbore 100 be educated. In the illustrated specific example, the counterbore is 100 circular. The pinion bore 88 can be about a second axis 102 be arranged substantially perpendicular to the first axis 96 can be. The pinion 52 can in the pinion bore 88 recorded and in stock 104 around the second axis 102 be kept rotatable. The axle tube part 76 may be a hollow structure integral with the body portion 74 can be trained. A body section 74 opposite end of the axle tube part 76 can a seal hole 108 define.

The first axle tube 72 can a hollow pipe section 120 and a flange member 122 include that around the pipe section 120 can run. A gasket hole 124 can in a the flange element 122 opposite end of the pipe section 120 be educated. The flange element 122 can in a way that the hollow interior of the first axle tube 72 (including the seal hole 124 ) with the first axis 96 aligned, detachable to the body portion 74 be coupled. In the particular embodiment shown, one is in the wall element 80 trained counterbore 130 so that they have a lip 313 on the flange element 122 receives; the lip 131 on the flange element 122 and the counterbore 130 are sized so that they are the first axle tube 72 with the first axis 96 Align in alignment. Fasteners with thread 132 Can be used to the flange element 122 fixed but detachable to the wall element 80 to pair.

The differential assembly 54 can be a differential case 150 , a crown wheel 152 and a gear set 154 include. The differential housing 150 can be a case body 160 and a housing flange 162 define that of the housing body 160 may extend radially outward. The housing body 160 can a housing cavity 164 in which the gear set 154 is included, and a pair of first bearing receptacles 168 define. The ring gear 152 can be replaced by any suitable means, e.g. B. by laser welding or by a plurality of threaded fasteners 170 , to the housing flange 162 be coupled. The gear set 154 driving a pair of drive bevel gears 172 and a pair of pinion gears 174 may include in the housing cavity 164 be included. The first bearing shots 168 can counterbores 180 be in the opposite sides of the differential housing 150 can be trained. The counterbores 180 can be sized to be the first bearing part 62 record, which is a first bearing career 182 , such as B. an outer bearing raceway, and a bearing set 184 , such as B. a set of roles may include. The first warehouses 182 can into the counterbores 180 be pressed before the differential assembly 54 between the first and second journals 82 and 84 in the differential case 70 will be installed.

Each adjustment element 56 can a body section 190 , an adjustment section 192 and a longitudinal bore 194 include, through the adjustment 56 can be formed through. The body section 190 can have an externally threaded section 196 and a second bearing receiver 198 include. The threaded section 192 is sized to fit in the threaded hole 94 is taken and with the respectively associated first or second journals 82 respectively. 84 in threaded engagement. Every second warehouse admission 198 can be configured to have a corresponding second bearing part 64 receives. In the illustrated example, the second bearing receptacle 194 a hollow shaft, and the second bearing part 64 includes a second bearing raceway 210 , such as B. an inner bearing race, on the second bearing support 198 can be pressed. The adjustment section 192 can be a non-circular structure 212 which is configured to be detected by a tool (not shown) is going to be the adjusting elements 56 to rotate to both the differential bearings 60 pretension as well as the play between the pinion 52 and the ring gear 152 and / or to set a desired tooth flank wear pattern. For example, the non-circular structure 212 a protruding structure sized to be gripped by a twelve-socket socket wrench (ie, a socket wrench having a twelve-sided or double-hex internal cavity). As one skilled in the art will appreciate, a twelve-socket socket wrench may be used to grasp various types of out-of-round protruding structures, including those having four, six, or twelve equal sides. In the illustrated specific example, the non-circular structure is 212 a projecting twelve-edged structure (ie, a protruding structure with 12 equal sides).

The security elements 58 can be configured to make a relative rotation between the adjustment elements 56 and the differential case 70 prevent. The security elements 58 may be formed of any suitable material, e.g. Of a powder material or a sheet or plate material, and may have a circular shape with a twelve-edged (ie twelve-sided or double-hex) hole 220 in the middle has. The twelve-cornered hole 220 is configured to work with the non-circular structure 212 at the adjustment section 192 of the adjusting elements 56 engaged while the outer diameter of the securing elements 58 are dimensioned so that they (via interference fit, eg press fit) with the counterbores 100 in the first and second journals 82 and 84 engage. You will realize that the fuse elements 58 , due to the fact that the fuse elements 58 not with differential case 70 Are "wedged", each orientation of the non-circular structure 212 relative to the differential case 70 can yield. To disassemble the front axle assembly 32 to meet the fuse elements 58 one or more removal openings 228 which are dimensioned to receive a tool (not shown) for removing the securing elements 58 from the counterbores 100 can be used. The distance opening 228 may be sized to receive a removal tool or a portion thereof (eg, a claw), or could be threaded holes to which the removal tool can be coupled.

The front axle assembly 32 can be partially assembled as follows: Install the pinion 52 in the pinion hole 88 in the differential case 70 ; Position the differential assembly 54 (to which the first bearing parts 62 coupled) between the first and second journals 82 and 84 such that the first bearing parts 62 with the threaded holes 94 aligned and the ring gear 152 with the pinion 52 is engaged; Insert one of the adjustment elements 56 (to which the second bearing part 64 coupled) through the axle shaft opening 90 in the wall element 80 of the differential case 70 and screwing its threaded portion 192 with the threaded hole 94 in the first journal 82 ; Insert the other adjustment element 56 (to which the second bearing part 64 coupled) through the Achsrohrbohrung 92 in the axle tube part 76 and screwing its threaded portion 192 with the threaded hole 94 in the second journal 84 ; Turning one or both adjustment elements 56 for preloading the differential bearings 60 ; Rotate a position of an adjustment or both adjustment 56 as it is necessary to the game between the pinion 52 and the ring gear 152 and / or to set a desired tooth flank wear pattern; Attaching the security elements 58 at the non-circular structure 212 at each of the adjustment elements 56 ; such pressing of each fuse element 58 in an associated counterbore 100 that the fuse element 58 with the differential case 70 rotatably engaged; Install a first axle shaft segment 250 through the axle shaft opening 90 and the longitudinal bore 194 in the adjustment 56 that in the first journal 82 is arranged; Coupling of the first axle tube 72 to the differential case 70 ; and installing axle shaft seals 300 in the first axle tube 72 and the axle tube part 76 , Optionally, bearings 310 in the longitudinal bore 194 in each of the adjustment elements 56 be installed before gaskets 300 be installed, for. B. before installing the adjustment 56 on the axle housing 50 , A second axle shaft segment 312 can through the Achsrohrteil 76 and the longitudinal bore 194 in the adjustment 56 be included in the second journal 84 is arranged. The first and second axle shaft segments 250 and 312 can with a respective drive bevel gear 172 (via a spline) are coupled so that they rotate with this, and a locking ring 314 Can be used to control the movement of the second axle shaft segment 312 in one direction from the drive bevel gear 172 to prevent it from happening.

In the particular example illustrated, the front axle assembly includes 32 a third axle shaft segment 320 and locking device 322 , The third axle shaft segment 320 is in the first axle tube 72 taken up and can by warehouse 324 and 326 held in the first axle shaft segment 250 or in the first axle tube 72 are included. The locking device 322 Can be used to the first and third axle shaft segment 250 and 320 optionally rotatably coupled with each other. The locking device 322 can a coupling ring 330 and an actuator 332 may include and in the first axle tube 72 be housed. The coupling ring 330 Can a variety of internal teeth 334 , a set of splined teeth 336 and an annular channel 338 include, which can run around its circumference. The inner teeth 334 can be sized to fit with appropriate teeth 340 matingly engaged on one end of the first axle shaft segment 250 can be trained. The set of splined teeth 336 can with a set of matching splines 342 engaged on the third axle shaft segment 320 are formed, so that the coupling ring 330 non-rotatably but axially displaceable on the third axle shaft segment 320 can be coupled. At the actuator 332 It can be any type of actuator, the coupling ring 330 between a first position in which the inner teeth 334 from the teeth 340 on the first axle shaft segment 250 axially spaced, and a second position in which the inner teeth 334 with the teeth 340 on the first axle shaft segment 250 toothed engaged, can move. In the illustrated example, the actuator comprises 332 an electromagnet 350 , a shift fork 352 and a return spring 354 , The electromagnet 350 can in a cavity 356 in the first axle tube housing 72 be included and can be a piston 358 have, which to the shift fork 352 can be coupled. The shift fork 352 can be a pair of prongs 360 have in the annular channel 338 in the coupling ring 330 can be included. The return spring 354 can be positioned so that it has the shift fork 352 biased in a predetermined direction. The locking device 322 can be operated in a first state to the coupling ring 330 to hold in the first position, thereby the third axle shaft segment 320 from the differential assembly 54 decouple. The locking device 322 can also be operated in a second state (eg by actuating the electromagnet 350 ) to the shift fork 352 (over the piston 358 ) to move around the inner teeth 334 of the coupling ring 330 with the teeth 340 of the first axle shaft segment 250 to engage.

While in the description and the drawings specific embodiments described or illustrated, it is understood by the skilled person, that made various changes can be and equivalents may be exchanged for elements thereof without departing from the scope of the present invention Revelation, as in the claims is defined to depart. Further, the mixing and adjusting of features, elements and / or functions between different ones embodiments explicitly considered here drawn so that a normally qualified person skilled in the field from this disclosure assumes that features, elements and / or Functions of an example suitably in another example can be incorporated unless otherwise described above. Besides, many modifications can be made be made to a specific situation or a specific Adapt material to the teachings of the present disclosure, without departing from the essential scope thereof. Therefore, the present Disclosure is not intended to be limited to the specific embodiments, the according to the specification and the drawings currently as the best way to perform the The teachings of the present disclosure, but the Scope of the present disclosure is intended to cover all embodiments lock in, which are within the foregoing description and appended claims.

SUMMARY

A Axle assembly with an axle housing with a pair of journals, one located between the journals Differential assembly, a pair of differential bearings and a pair hollow adjusting elements, which are screwed into the journals can, to preload the differential bearings and the backlash between to control a pinion and a ring gear. Securing elements can be secured against rotation Can be engaged with the hollow adjusting elements and can in Countersunk holes in the outside be pressed lying side of the journals. The axle housing can an integrally formed differential case with a body and an axle tube structure, and a first axle tube may individually trained and attached to the body be coupled.

Claims (23)

An axle assembly comprising: an axle housing defining a pair of journal and a pinion bore, the differential journal having a threaded bore therethrough substantially perpendicular to the pinion bore, each of the differential journal having an outboard side opposite that of the other Remote from the differential bearing pin, wherein a concentric with the threaded bore counterbore is formed in each of the outer sides; a pinion rotatably mounted in the pinion bore; a differential assembly including a differential housing, a gear set received in the differential housing and a ring gear engaged with the pinion, the differential housing including a pair of bearing seats; a pair of first bearing members, each coupled to an associated bearing receptacle and a first bearing race and a set of bearing members which are mounted on a respective one of the first bearing races; a pair of hollow adjustment members having a threaded body portion and an adjustment portion, each of the hollow adjustment members coupled to the axle housing such that its threaded body portion is threadedly engaged with the threaded bore of an associated differential journal, the adjustment portions having a non-circular structure thereto is adapted to be detected by a tool for rotating the hollow adjusting elements; a pair of second bearing members, each having a second bearing race disposed between one of the hollow adjustment members and an associated set of bearing members; and a pair of securing members, each securing member being disposed on an associated one of the hollow adjusting members and engaging with the non-circular structure to prevent relative rotation therebetween, each securing member being press fitted into a corresponding counterbore to effect relative rotation between the securing members and To prevent axle housing. Axle assembly according to claim 1, wherein the second Bearings are in press fit on the hollow adjustment elements. Axle assembly according to claim 1, wherein the non-circular Structure is a projecting structure. Axle assembly according to claim 3, wherein the projecting Structure is suitable, driving captured by a twelve-hex socket to become. Axle assembly according to claim 1, wherein the securing elements are formed of a material consisting of a group from sheet materials, plate materials, powder metal materials and Combinations selected is. Axle assembly according to claim 1, wherein the securing elements a distance opening which is suitable for accommodating a removal tool, which is configured to hold the security elements of the axle box away. Axle assembly according to claim 1, wherein the axle housing a differential case and a first axle tube, wherein the differential bearing pin integral with the differential case are formed and the first axle tube separately formed and to the differential case is coupled. Axle assembly according to claim 7, wherein the first Axle detachable to the differential case is coupled. Axle assembly according to claim 7, wherein the axle housing a second axle tube includes. Axle assembly according to claim 9, wherein the second Axle tube in one piece with the differential case is trained. Axle assembly according to claim 10, wherein the second Axle tube shorter than the first axle tube is. An axle assembly according to claim 10, further comprising a seal assembly received in the second axle tube is, wherein the seal assembly has a larger diameter than a each of the hollow adjusting elements, through the second axle tube is included. An axle assembly according to claim 1, wherein each of the Differential bearing pin a base portion and an integrally formed, non-separable lid section has. Method for assembling an axle assembly, the method comprising: Providing a differential case with a pair of differential journals; Install a pinion in the differential case; positioning a differential assembly between the differential journal; screw in a hollow adjustment member in each of the differential journal; To install a fuse element over each of the hollow adjusting elements, each securing element with a non-circular structure on a respective one of the hollow adjusting elements is in contact, and Pressing each of the security elements in one at an associated one the differential bearing pin formed counterbore, wherein the Fuse elements are in contact with the differential case to a To prevent relative rotation in between. The method of claim 14, further comprising Pressing a bearing raceway on each of the hollow adjustment elements. The method of claim 15, wherein the differential assembly a differential housing and a pair of bearing receivers, and wherein the method further the pressing of a second bearing race on each of the bearing mounts includes. The method of claim 14, wherein the differential housing with the differential bearing pin is integrally formed. The method of claim 17, further comprising Coupling an axle tube to the differential case. The method of claim 18, wherein the axle tube solvable to the differential case is coupled. Axle assembly comprising: an axle housing with a differential case, a first axle tube and a second axle tube, wherein the differential case a Pair of journal and a pinion bore defined, with the differential journal with the differential case integrally formed are and are not separable from the rest of the differential case, wherein the differential journal a threaded bore formed therethrough which is substantially perpendicular to the pinion bore, wherein the first axle tube formed separately and releasably coupled to the differential case is, wherein the second axle tube integral with the differential bearing trained and shorter as the first axle ear is; a rotatable in the pinion bore mounted pinion; a differential assembly with a differential housing, a in the differential housing recorded gear set and a gear engaged with the pinion Ring gear, wherein the differential housing a pair of bearing mounts having; a pair of first bearing parts, each of which is connected to an associated one of Stock picking is coupled and a first bearing track and a set Has bearing elements, which on a respective one of the first bearing races are mounted; a pair of hollow adjustment members having a body portion with thread and a setting section, each of the hollow Adjustment elements coupled to the axle housing is that body part threaded to the threaded bore of an associated one of the differential journal in threaded engagement; a pair of second bearing parts, wherein every second bearing part has a second bearing race, which is in Press fit is located on one of the hollow adjusting elements, wherein the second bearing parts between the hollow adjusting elements and the sentences are arranged by bearing elements; and a pair of security elements are recorded on the hollow controls and stand with the non-circular structure in contact to the relative rotation between the axle housing and prevent the hollow adjustment elements. An axle assembly according to claim 20, wherein each of said Differential trunnion one outside lying side, which has the other of the differential journal turned away, and in the one concentric with the threaded bore Counterbore in each of the outside lying sides is formed. Axle assembly according to claim 21, wherein the securing elements pressed into the countersunk holes in the differential bearing pin are to the relative rotation between the fuse elements and the axle housing to prevent. An axle assembly according to claim 20, further comprising a first output element, a second output element and a Locking device, wherein the first output element to a first Output of the differential assembly is coupled, wherein the locking device the second output element optionally with a second output of Differential assembly couples.